Beauty of Deben Estuary seen from new coastal path

The new path takes in parts of the River Deben

A stretch of a new walking route is set to open up one of the region's most beautiful saltmarsh landscapes.

The King Charles III England Coast Path now includes 11 new miles (17.7km) around the Deben Estuary, linking Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey in Suffolk.

Natural England said the area has a "unique landscape, home to over 40% of Suffolk's remaining saltmarsh".

The entire King Charles III England Coast Path, once completed, will be a 2,700 mile national trail around the whole of the English coast.

A number of bridges, walkways and steps have been renovated to allow visitors to enjoy the area on foot

Natural England said there would be protective measures in place, including "a bird watching screen, designated dog on lead areas, and strategic path positioning and fencing to protect internationally important populations of dark-bellied brent geese and avocets that overwinter in the estuary".

Footbridges and steps at Ferry Cliff and Nettle Hill have also been renovated.

Andrew Excell, of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: "The opening of this section of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give locals and visitors the chance to walk alongside some of our most precious and internationally important habitats on the Deben Estuary.

"People will be able to enjoy the quiet beauty of this area, take the opportunity to learn more about the landscape, and respect the sensitive wildlife in the area – including ground-nesting birds and rare coastal plants which are vulnerable to human disturbance."